Peter Trevena – What Was Pebble Mill?

Studio 1 – Martin Fenton

Studio 1 control room

Studio 1 light

Studio 1 Neumann U47s

Photos by Martin Fenton, no reproduction without permission. Martin took these photos in 2003. Radio Studio 1 was the largest radio studio at Pebble Mill, and was also used for some television series in the latter years of Pebble Mill.

“Studio 1 was once a venue for glorious orchestral recordings, but by this point it had been deliberately priced out of the market (Abbey Road number 1 was cheaper) and was used for little more than Farming Today

The Neumann U47s , I was told were used at the insistence of Radio 3, when Studio 1 was regularly used for orchestral concerts.” [The mics may be Neumann U87s, see comment below from Andy Groves.]

Martin Fenton

(The Neumann U47s were condenser mics apparently well known for their clear sound. They were apparently the favourite mic of the Beatles manager, George Martin.)

The following comments were left on the Pebble Mill Facebook page:

Caroline Feldon Parsons: ‘Lots of happy memories doing programmes for Radio 3 in that studio. Everything from live Lunchtime Concerts to live drivetime programmes like In Tune, and lots of recorded chamber music. I did a fair bit of page-turning for pianists too!’

Chris Marshall: ‘Yes, it was really busy with Radio 3 programmes until the bizarre decisions around Producer Choice and bimedia put paid to that. Tony Wass could give lots of info on the technical stuff.’

Jane Ward: ‘Occasionally larger scale orchestral and brass band sessions for Radio 2 took place in there as well. I produced a fair number and, like Caroline, was involved in other ways before that, either page turning or acting as orchestral librarian before I became a producer… I arrived at Pebble Mill in February 1987 as the Music Assistant, a post which not only served Radios 2 & 3 but which ultimately extended to become a research and support service for the whole building.’

Andy Groves: ‘I think you will find the mics are a Neumann U87 rather than 47. Both fine microphones.’

Peter Trevena: ‘I think that the lamp is still working on Doctors‘

Pot Black – Barry Hill’s retirement

This clipping is from the March 1984 edition of the Pebble Mill News.

The photo shows TM Barry Hill being presented with a replica version of the Pot Black trophy, from the popular snooker tournament, by Alan Weeks, on the occasion of his retirement. Barry, who had been a BBC employee for 43 years, worked on the series since it began in 1969.

Thanks for Robin Sunderland for making the Pebble Mill News available.

The following comments were left on the Pebble Mill Facebook page:

Peter Trevena: ‘I did 4 pot blacks with Barry fun times.’

Gordon Astley: ‘I was in sound on the first Pot Black. My first proper job after training!’

Judith Markall: ‘I remember him well – a lovely man.’

Lynn Cullimore: ‘Yes I remember working with Barry. Always professional and nice to work with.’

Basil Brush Front Page

This is the rehearsal script front page for The Basil Brush Show from 1975.

The rehearsals took place in a church hall in west London, whilst the recording would have taken place in Studio A at Pebble Mill. Basil Brush was a London production, hosted at Pebble Mill.

Thanks to sound supervisor, Roger Guest, for sharing the front page, and keeping it safe since 1975.

The following comments were left on the Pebble Mill Facebook page:

David Crozier: ‘I was that designer. Was it really forty years ago? Good grief.’

Peter Trevena: ‘I worked on this,great fun’

Susan Astle: ‘Really enjoyed working on this. Used to have breakfast on the train with design on the way to rehearsals in London. Charlie Bond on Bloody Mary’s and lovely Ian Fisher and Nigel Jones. ‘

Philip Morgan: ‘Through the kindness of Roger Nash I got a radio interview with “Basil”. I also sat in at one of the Saturday afternoon dress rehearsals in Studio A. As part of the banter the sidekick (Mr Derek?) asked Basil if he had any friends. “Of course I’ve got friends” replied Basil “I’ve got friends I haven’t even used yet!” That certainly drew a hearty laugh from the crew…’